Ravi Bishnoi Dropped by RR: Expert Analysis on the Legspinner’s Form

The Dilemma of Consistency: Ravi Bishnoi’s IPL 2026 Season

In the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League, momentum is everything. For Rajasthan Royals (RR) legspinner Ravi Bishnoi, the 2026 season has become a tale of two halves. After a promising start that saw him claim nine wickets in his first four appearances, his recent output has seen a concerning decline. Over his subsequent four matches, Bishnoi managed only two wickets, leaking 115 runs across 11 overs at a costly economy rate of 10.45.

This downturn in performance culminated in a difficult selection decision: Bishnoi was dropped for the crucial encounter against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Tuesday. In his place, RR introduced 19-year-old legspinner Yash Raj Punja, a move that has sparked conversation among cricket pundits and fans alike.

Expert Opinions: Assessing the RR Strategy

The decision to bench a bowler of Bishnoi’s caliber has not gone unnoticed. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut programme, veteran legspinner Piyush Chawla expressed surprise, noting that he believed Bishnoi was in good form despite the recent statistical dip. Chawla, whose own track record in the tournament remains formidable, offered a perspective that highlights the volatility of spin bowling in modern T20 cricket.

Abhinav Mukund took a more critical stance regarding the management of the squad. He argued that successful IPL franchises often rely on maintaining a core group of players. “I’m not too much in agreement with the Yash Raj call,” Mukund stated. “Teams who have been successful over a period of time in the IPL have maintained a core of bowlers. If you’re going to drop him for another leggie, that’s going to dent his confidence massively.”

The Rise of Yash Raj Punja

While the decision to drop Bishnoi was controversial, the selection of Yash Raj Punja yielded immediate results. Punja proved to be RR’s most effective bowler against PBKS, claiming two of the four wickets to fall. Although he conceded 41 runs in his four-over spell, his impact in a high-scoring game—where RR were tasked with chasing a target of 223—was significant, ultimately helping the team secure a victory with four balls to spare.

Bishnoi’s Journey: From Stability to Struggle

Bishnoi’s path to the Rajasthan Royals this season followed a challenging stint with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2025, where he picked up nine wickets in 11 innings with an economy rate of 10.83. This was a stark contrast to his earlier years in the IPL, where he was a model of consistency from 2020 to 2024. During that period, he maintained impressive economy rates and played a vital role in the national setup, appearing in 44 T20Is between 2022 and 2024.

Reflecting on his struggles earlier this season after a masterful 4 for 41 against the Gujarat Titans, Bishnoi admitted that his length was the primary culprit. “I had one weakness: if my length was wrong then I was getting hit for fours and sixes,” he explained. He emphasized that he had dedicated his off-season to refining his physical, mental, and technical approach to the game, indicating a clear understanding of the adjustments required at the top level.

Looking Ahead

Is the door shut on Bishnoi? Abhinav Mukund suggests that while LSG’s decision to release him after a poor 2025 season was defensible, the current environment at RR might be placing undue pressure on him. Mukund noted, “I don’t think he’s had a bad season this year,” suggesting that the young spinner still has much to offer if he is backed by his franchise.

For now, the Rajasthan Royals are banking on the form of their new arrivals, but the conversation surrounding Bishnoi’s confidence and future role remains a central narrative of their 2026 campaign. Whether he bounces back to reclaim his spot or continues to work on his craft in the background, his journey remains a testament to the unforgiving nature of the IPL and the constant quest for the perfect bowling length in T20 cricket.